drastic

adjective

dras·​tic ˈdra-stik 

1

: acting rapidly or violently

a drastic purgative

2

: extreme in effect or action : severe

drastic measures

made drastic changes

Examples of drastic in a Sentence

The situation calls for drastic measures.

Maybe we should try something less drastic first.

Recent Examples on the Web

Equally powerful are the scenes where Leontyev turns his camera on Stefanov as the painter describes how the drastic change from his peaceful life in the country to one who has become displaced by war has forever altered him as an artist. —Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024

While there’s cautious optimism in the United States with the battle against inflation largely won and the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates for the first time in four years, organizations must remain prudent before making drastic changes to their planning efforts for the new year. —Shane Buckley, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Others meanwhile see it as a drastic measure that could cut off young people from their peers. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

But experts agreed people should tread lightly before making any drastic changes to their diets because of the new findings. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin drāsticus, borrowed from Greek drāstikós "active, energetic, (of medication) acting rapidly," from drāst-, stem of drā́stēs "doer, performer" (from drā-, variant stem of dráō, drân "to do, perform" + -tēs, agentive suffix, with analogical -s-) + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at drama

First Known Use

circa 1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

drastic

adjective

dras·​tic ˈdras-tik 

1

: acting rapidly or violently

2

: severe in effect : harsh

had to take drastic measures

drastically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

drastic

1 of 2 adjective

dras·​tic ˈdras-tik 

: acting rapidly or violently

—used chiefly of purgatives

drastically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

drastic

2 of 2 noun

: a powerful medicinal agent

especially : a strong purgative